Opportunities

For newly certified handwriting analysts

Using graphology in everyday life

Graphology for Personal use:

Graphology can be used for self-knowledge. Ask enquirers if there are any specific areas they particularly want to cover. Do not make any exaggerated claims. Keep the analysis sim­ple, putting the emphasis on the positive aspects of behav­iour patterns, allowing them to understand their strengths and weaknesses. It is not wise to cause worry by being too negative, but remember, enquirers will want to know enough to do something about their deficiencies. If possible direct their interest to constructive ideas.

Graphology in Recruitment use:

The technique of graphology is today used professionally, mainly in helping to select personnel for key positions. It is here that the personality is assessed in terms of performance and potential, in relation to the specific demands of the posi­tion. It is therefore necessary to obtain a full job specification and to ascertain whether the assessment will be seen by only one person or discussed by other managers at board level. Personal details irrelevant to the job should not be included. Always use a reference number rather than a name, so that only the person for whom the analysis is intended knows the identity of the writer.

Personnel managers and other recruitment staff want straightforward information – direct and factual – so you must be absolutely objective. It is not fair to the management or the candidate if weak points which indicate inadequacy in intellectual, emotional or physical resources are glossed over. The applicant’s integrity is also usually an important consideration and should be handled realistically and put into proper context in accordance with its dominance. A reli­ability and integrity rating of high, average or low will usual­ly get the message across and can perhaps be explained further by telephone.

Some personnel managers ask only for a percentage evalu­ation of certain requirements, or a rating of high, medium or low, or marks out of 10. While these are helpful, they should be followed by a verbal summary of the candidate’s ability and any other points which the percentage evaluation does not cover, but which could be relevant, such as general incompatibility with others or nervousness.

Breaking the report up into sections, such as intellectual qualities, temperament, social tendencies, working qualities and moral values, makes for easier reading if it is a big one. Make your own list of qualities on which to comment. Here are a few examples.

Reliability

Responsibility

Problem-solving initiative

Self-confidence

Leadership ability

Tolerance and patience

Analytical ability

Constructiveness in argument

Administrative ability

Concentration

Degree of co-operation

Spontaneity of mental grasp

Graphology for Marriage compatibility:

Graphology is very useful for supplementing or confirming what is already known in assessing the suitability of a mar­riage partner. No handwriting assessment should be taken lightly; this area is of the utmost importance to the two peo­ple concerned, especially if the enquirer is experiencing problems within an existing marriage. The first consideration is a full analysis of each partner, paying strict attention to the variations of outlook and behaviour which, in the close contact of day-to-day life, could come to the fore and create friction and discord, particularly in the more intimate areas of the relationship.

For instance, a very thick stroke indicates a sensual need for close bodily contact ; a very thin stroke indicates a cool reception to this type of intimate contact. A garland writer would need a lot of love and affection, while an angular writer would be rather critical of this type of need. Compromise and understanding would be necessary after the problem had been explained.

Such enquirers are most likely to be uncertain of their abil­ity to judge other people, aware of their own shortcomings and doubtful of their ability to adjust. They will want an eas­ily understood report, saying in essence Yes or No. You might suggest that if there is a serious doubt, it would be unwise to proceed. However, there is often only one facet in the intended partner which worries the enquirer. This may be resolved, in which case the way is then clear to make a successful, meaningful relationship.

One must remember that love is a very strong emotion and capable of overcoming obstacles which may otherwise be considered insurmountable. A large number of contented relationships are based on thoughtfulness and tolerance of the needs and desires of the partner, whether they occur in the intellectual, social or instinctual (sexual) area. For exam­ple, there are men who, having had domineering mothers, prefer a woman who will exercise a strong hand over them. They may be detached at the office, but sentimental at home. Their writing is very likely to be tall, upright and narrow, but with a very thick stroke quality. There will also be leftward tendencies. The woman’s writing is likely to be angular with heavy pressure, indicating dominance.

The special qualities to look for in this area are:

Mental capacity and balance

Sexual capacity and balance

General reliability

Willingness to co-operate

Kindness and unselfishness

Sincerity

Generosity

Maturity

A sense of humor

There should also be some similarity of temperament, outlook, and standards.

Graphology for Vocational guidance:

School leavers may want pointers to career prospects, or more experienced people may wish to change direction. This is one area where we, as graphologists, cannot be specific. We can only point people in a general direction, based on their personality, natural capabilities, ambition and intellec­tual capacity. Most people have a basic idea of what they would like to do as an occupation and this should be ascer­tained before the analysis is undertaken. It is the one area where as much as possible should be known about the appli­cant, to facilitate a better understanding of his or her job prospects.

You should note that practical experience is absolutely essential before work is attempted in any of these areas. Practice on friends and relatives who will comment on your expertise realistically and honestly so that you can assess your progress. You should spend at least two years on study and practical application before any serious analytical work is undertaken. It is a serious study and, as with other sub­jects, needs constant and careful attention. You will derive great satisfaction from being told by your friends that you are correct in your assessment of them.

The best way of learning, of course, is to undergo a course of personal tuition with a qualified teacher. Graphology orga­nizations that offer training and certification are available on this web page.

You may be asked to give an opinion on an anonymous let­ter or a suspected forgery. This is a very specialized area of handwriting examination, which requires many years’ expe­rience and a specific knowledge beyond the scope of this book. Any enquiries for such work should be passed on to a known practitioner, who will recommend a suitable suspect-document examiner.

Little by little you will take on an awareness of how peo­ple’s handwriting is a valid means of relating to them fully and gaining their respect with your understanding of their weaknesses as well as their strengths.